Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark still in use in Major League Baseball

Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912, in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Red Sox still play there today. The ballpark sits in the Fenway neighborhood, a residential and commercial area about two miles southwest of downtown Boston. If you are planning to attend a game, knowing the layout, how to get there, and what to expect will help you have a smoother visit.

The park is famous for the Green Monster, a 37-foot-tall left field wall painted bright green. Balls that hit the wall are still in play, and the wall's angles and height make left field one of the trickiest positions to play at Fenway. The ballpark holds about 37,500 people and has a quirky shape because it was built on an irregular plot of land in an already-developed neighborhood.

Key Takeaways

  • Fenway Park is located at 4 Jersey Street in Boston and is accessible by the MBTA Green Line, the Red Line, or by car with paid parking nearby.
  • The Green Monster in left field is 37 feet tall and is the most distinctive feature of the ballpark's playing surface.
  • Tickets are sold through the Red Sox official website, StubHub, Ticketmaster, and other resellers, with prices varying by opponent and day of the week.
  • The ballpark has a limited number of concession stands and restaurants, so arriving early or bringing your own food may save time and money.
  • Fenway Park does not have a parking lot; you must use street parking, a nearby garage, or public transportation to reach the stadium.

Getting to Fenway Park by public transportation

The easiest way to reach Fenway Park without a car is the MBTA, Boston's public transit system. The Green Line stops at Kenmore Station, which is about a five-minute walk from the ballpark's main entrance at 4 Jersey Street. The Red Line stops at Ruggles Station, which is about a 15-minute walk. Both routes run frequently during game days, and the MBTA sells game-day passes that cover your round trip.

Parking at or near Fenway Park is limited and expensive. The ballpark itself has no parking lot. You can park in nearby garages on Lansdowne Street, Ipswich Street, or in the Prudential Center garage, but spaces fill up quickly on game days and rates often exceed $25 per vehicle. If you drive, plan to arrive at least two hours before first pitch and expect to pay premium rates.

Buying tickets and choosing your seat

Red Sox tickets are sold through the team's official website (redsox.com), Ticketmaster, StubHub, and other resale platforms. Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and how close the game is to the date you want to attend. Weekend games and games against the New York Yankees or Tampa Bay Rays typically cost more than weekday games against other opponents. Tickets for popular games can sell out weeks in advance.

Fenway Park has several seating areas with different views and price points. Field-level seats behind home plate and along the baselines are the most expensive. Bleacher seats in left field and right field are cheaper but offer a more distant view. The Green Monster seats are located on top of the left field wall and provide a unique vantage point, though they are pricey and sell out quickly. Standing room only tickets are sometimes available for sold-out games at a reduced price.

What to bring and what is not allowed

You can bring a small bag (no larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches) into Fenway Park. Clear bags are preferred and move through security faster. You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Many fans bring sandwiches, snacks, and water bottles to save money on concessions.

Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, fireworks, drones, selfie sticks, and professional cameras with detachable lenses. Umbrellas are not allowed in the seating areas but may be permitted in standing room areas depending on weather and crowd size. Check the Red Sox website before your visit for the most current list of prohibited items, as policies can change.

Food, drinks, and concessions at Fenway Park

Fenway Park has concession stands throughout the ballpark, but the selection is limited compared to newer stadiums. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pizza are standard offerings. Prices are typical for a major league ballpark — expect to pay $12 to $18 for a hot dog and drink combo. The ballpark also has a few sit-down restaurants, including the Bleacher Bar, which overlooks the field and serves full meals.

Because concession lines can be long during the game, many fans eat before arriving or bring their own food. The neighborhood around Fenway has many restaurants and food shops within walking distance, so you can grab a meal before or after the game. Lansdowne Street, just outside the ballpark, has bars and restaurants that cater to game-day crowds.

Fenway Park's history and notable features

Fenway Park has hosted Red Sox games for over 110 years and is the home of 27 World Series championships won by the team. The ballpark has been renovated many times over the decades, with major upgrades to seating, lighting, and facilities in recent years. Despite these improvements, the ballpark retains its historic character and quirky dimensions.

The Green Monster is not the only unusual feature. The right field wall is much shorter than the left field wall, and the foul territory is unusually large. The ballpark's manual scoreboard, located on the Green Monster, is still operated by hand during games and is one of the last of its kind in Major League Baseball. The warning track is made of clay rather than the synthetic material used in most modern stadiums.

Attending a game during the season

The Red Sox play 81 home games each season, from late March or early April through September or early October. Games typically start at 7:05 p.m. on weekdays and 1:05 p.m. or 4:05 p.m. on weekends, though start times vary. Arrive at least 30 minutes before first pitch to clear security and find your seat, especially if you are unfamiliar with the ballpark.

The ballpark can get crowded, particularly during games against rivals like the Yankees or during the playoffs. Fenway Park has a passionate fan base, and the atmosphere is energetic and loud. If you are new to baseball or prefer a quieter experience, consider attending a weekday game against a less popular opponent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food into Fenway Park?

Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into Fenway Park as long as they are in a bag no larger than 16 by 16 by 8 inches. Glass containers and outside alcohol are not allowed. Many fans bring sandwiches and snacks to save money on concessions.

What is the best way to get to Fenway Park without a car?

The MBTA Green Line stops at Kenmore Station, about a five-minute walk from the ballpark. The Red Line stops at Ruggles Station, about 15 minutes away. Both routes run frequently on game days, and the MBTA sells game-day passes that cover your round trip.

How much do Red Sox tickets usually cost?

Ticket prices vary widely based on the opponent, day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Weekday games against less popular teams may cost $20 to $50, while weekend games or games against the Yankees can cost $75 to $200 or more. Bleacher seats are typically cheaper than field-level seats.

Is there parking at Fenway Park?

Fenway Park has no parking lot. You must use nearby garages on Lansdowne Street or Ipswich Street, or the Prudential Center garage. Parking typically costs $20 to $35 per vehicle on game days. Public transportation is usually faster and cheaper than driving.

What makes the Green Monster special?

The Green Monster is a 37-foot-tall wall in left field that is unique to Fenway Park. Balls that hit the wall are still in play, and the wall's height and angles make it one of the most challenging features in baseball. The wall has been part of the ballpark since 1912.